Implementation of iRAD project for road safety hits hurdles

 

 

 

 

 

In a bid to enhance road safety measures across Nagpur, the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) Project has been introduced, which aims at meticulously analysing road accidents and proposing effective preventive measures. However, the project has encountered setbacks due to inconsistent data reporting by the Nagpur City Police. Despite directives from senior officials to perfectly input detailed accident data into the iRAD application, local police personnel have struggled to comply consistently. As a result, the accurate analysis of road accidents within the city limits has been compromised. Responding to these challenges, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) EoW and Cyber Archit Chandak issued a stern notice to police personnel. DCP Chandak expressed concerns over the incomplete and inaccurate filling of accident details in the iRAD App.

 

“All police station in-charges are instructed to visit accident sites alongside investigation officers to ensure accurate data entry,” DCP Chandak stated in the notice. “This measure aims to prevent misinformation that could skew our analysis of road accidents.” Moreover, DCP Chandak directed for the involvement of the accident cell in visiting accident sites on time. During these visits, the investigation officers and traffic division in-charges are expected to analyse accident causes comprehensively. This data will then be shared with relevant authorities such as the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement necessary corrective measures. A senior police official underlined the importance of accurate data in the iRAD software and cited its role in pinpointing accident causes. Once identified, these causes will guide efforts to address underlying issues affecting road safety. The iRAD project, an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, supported by the World Bank, aims to create a comprehensive database of road accidents across the country. By harnessing data analytics, the project intends to provide actionable insights to stakeholders involved in road safety.